International conference on Arctic development opens in Arkhangelsk

The second international scientific conference Natural Resources and Integrated Development of Coastal Areas in the Arctic Zone is underway at the Federal Research Center for Integrated Studies of the Arctic (FRC ISArctic) of the Russian Academy of Sciences from September 27 through 29.

"Our current priority is to promote the socioeconomic development of the Arctic region. This conference is a positive venue for rallying researchers, authorities, the business community and NGOs towards the development of practical measures to realize the potential of Russia's Arctic regions," Lev Levit, an adviser to the Arkhangelsk Governor on Arctic development, said, as quoted by the regional government's press service.

There are several subjects on the conference program, such as the Northern Sea Route and the comprehensive development of the Arctic coast, international relations in the Arctic, as well as the development of local governments.

Magnus Augner, Deputy Director General of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, said at the conference that international cooperation in Arctic research is crucially important and should be promoted further.